This is the main museum in Dubai. It is located in the Al Fahidi Fort. It was built in 1787 and is the oldest existing building in Dubai. The museum was opened in 1971 by the Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Museum depicts the traditional way of life in the Emirate of Dubai. It houses local antiques as well as artifacts from African and Asian countries that traded historically with Dubai. It also has recent archeological discoveries that could be as old as 3000 BC. There are also several dioramas which shows the life in Dubai before oil was discovered.
Dubai Museum
The total area of the museum is 4,000 square meters. The Museum received over 1 million visitors in 2013. There is a model of a mosque, house and family in the museum. There are also depictions of desert life with a date farm, a camel, wild animals, and a Bedouin tent filled with jewellery, trinkets and objects from the daily life of Bedouins. Bedouins are Arabic-speaking nomadic peoples of the Middle Eastern deserts. Galleries recreate scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date farms and desert and marine life.
Realistic sounds and life-size videos guide the visitor to the museum. You can expect to spend one to two hours in the museum.
Inside Dubai Museum
Al Fahidi Fort
Al Fahidi Fort, the earliest building of UAE, was built of coral rock and mortar in several phases. The fort was built for political and residential use. By 1971, after 184 years of use the fort was in battered condition. Sheikh Rasheed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum renovated the fort and converted it into a museum for visitors. In 1995, another underground museum was built and added to the old fort.
The Al Fahidi Fort Gallery
The Al Fahidi Fort Gallery descending down a spiral staircase in the south-western tower of the citadel contains artifacts dating back up to 1960 before oil was discovered. Other wings of the museum feature various relics of trade and commerce in ancient Dubai and video footage telecast at the background together give you a feeling of being on a real souq (market) in ancient Dubai. After the souq, you will find a model mosque and a desert bearing the testimony of the harsh life of the Bedouins.
Al Fahidi Fort Dioramas
The largest wing of the museum dedicated to the seafarers showcases their importance in the social structure of Dubai. The technique of making a dhow is shown here. The seafarer diorama is a must-watch in the Dubai Museum.
The largest diorama of the museum is the Al Qusais Archaeological Site which reflects various stages of Dubai’s archaeological history. The relics from Jumeirah, Al Quasis and other sites date as early as back to 2000-1000 B.C. reflecting the glorious past of the Arab world. There is also a gift shop where you can find gift items and other souvenirs at surprisingly affordable prices.
Transport to Dubai Museum Al Fahidi Fort
You can take public buses to Dubai Museum through the Ghubaiba or Fahidi bus stations nearby or take a metro from the Ghubaiba or Fahidi stations located nearby. Rented cars or tours operators also provide transportation services.
Riverland Dubai is a shopping mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the gateway to Dubai Parks & Resorts. A themed, fun, dining and retail destination which you can access without purchasing a ticket.
There are four different zones that give a fascinating glimpse into some of the greatest eras of the past – The French Village, Boardwalk, India Gate, and The Peninsula. These four vibrant districts form the dining, retail and entertainment destination and are free for all to visit, making it a must do in Dubai.
The Peninsula
This is the heart of Riverland Dubai. Surrounded by the river, you will be able to enjoy various festivals and concerts at the large outdoor venue. The 19th century architectural theme adds to the character of this piazza that connects the various districts of Riverland™ Dubai via impressive bridges. Head down to any of the licensed restaurants or bars here to round off your day.
India Gate
Enjoy a royal Asian welcome with musicians and acrobats at India Gate, where our impressive artistic sculpture will mesmerize you as you embark on a journey through India. Don’t know where to eat in Dubai? Tantalize your taste buds with a great mix of casual dining venues as well as street-style quick service eateries in the large urban piazza.
India Gate
Boardwalk
For parents looking for things to do in Dubai with kids, why not relive the thrill of early America in the 1950´s and walk through an urban street bustling with excitement and entertainment – from jugglers to live entertainment. Enjoy the lofty structures, palm trees, and glamorous neon signage all around you.
The French Village
The French Village
Stop by the medieval French town and soak in the historic architecture of Europe in the late 1600’s at The French Village. Towers and the water wheel will draw you in, while street performances, outdoor dining, and meandering alleyways takes you to a different world.
Riverland Dubai: Dining Options
There are several coffee shops and Mediterranean inspired restaurants providing a variety of food to suit your taste and budget. Some of them are:
The popular restaurants in Riverland’s Peninsula
ECCO Pizza and Pasta: It is famous for authentic Italian pasta cooked with natural ingredients and genuine recipes. The Irish Village: The second outlet of the famed Irish pub in Dubai, Irish Village is the only licensed restaurant in Riverland. Big Chef’s Café & Brasserie: It is a casual dining spot with international cuisine and friendly staff.
India Gate has a variety of restaurants featuring Middle Eastern and Asian delicacies.
Costa Coffee: An International handcrafted coffee house that also serves delicious salads, wraps, sandwiches and sweet treats. Al Mashowa: A traditional Emirati seafood restaurant with recipes that come from the past. Barbecue Delights: A casual dining restaurant that offers Pakistani, Afghani and North Indian cuisines. Bol Gappa: An Indian fusion restaurant that offers lip-smacking street food in a Bollywood-themed ambience. Haru Robatayaki: An authentic Japanese restaurant that specialises in the art of sushi, Teppanyaki, Robata and Sashimi. Wok Chi: A Chinese street food joint where you can customise your wok-tossed noodles. Shrimpy: A popular fast-food restaurant serving deep-friend golden shrimps cooked to perfection.
The Boardwalk also features some delicious dining options.
TGI Fridays: World famous American food and beverage outlet to savour burgers and drinks in a lively ambience. The Coffee Club: An international coffee house where you can have a delicious brunch and a perfect blend of coffee. Super Chix: Looking for a traditional fast food joint? Here they serve super chicken, hand-cut fries and delicious frozen custards. Tortilla: America’s favourite snacks, tacos and burritos are served here with a range of fresh fillings and toppings. Ella’s Creamery: Inspired by America’s 1950s & 1960’s ice cream parlours, Ella’s Creamery will recreate your joyful childhood memories with frozen treats. Fans of Archie comics will get a distinct Pop Tates vibe from this charming creamery. Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory: A perfect place to feast on chocolate treats, caramel apples, sundaes, coffee and lots and lots of candy! Galito’s: Offers the most delicious chicken from an African kitchen that is loved across the globe. Famous Dave’s: Barbecue lovers cannot resist the live-wood stoked BBQ with a custom blend of spices. 800 Degrees: Baked in an almond wood oven, 800 Degrees serves authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria cooked with ripest and freshest ingredients. Pascal Tepper: A French bakery with oven-fresh bread and high quality of hot and cold treats. Giraffe: A perfect fast-food option with an array of dishes including steaks, grills, burgers and healthy smoothies, salads and mocktails. The Bagel Bar: A coffee house to enjoy an excellent cup of coffee, bagels and sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere. McDonald’s: World’s leading fast-food retailer, where you can grab a quick bite of yummy burgers, fries and other fast food. Olive Garden: Inspired by culinary traditions of Tuscany, this restaurant serves a blend of American-Italian cuisine with traditional Italian hospitality. Starbucks: World’s leading coffee house to celebrate the rich tradition of coffee in an exceptional environment.
